In a remarkable display of skill and potential, Ruben Prey has made a significant impact for the Portuguese national basketball team during the recent FIBA World Cup 2027 European Qualifiers. The 21-year-old center, who is entering his junior year at St. John's University, is expected to step into a leading role this season after serving as a backup for Zuby Ejiofor in his first two collegiate years.
Prey's performances in the qualifiers have been particularly noteworthy, as he averaged 15.0 points and 3.0 rebounds while demonstrating impressive shooting efficiency at 60% from the field. His first game on August 28 against Spain was a standout, where he scored 15 points, secured four rebounds, and recorded three steals. This game was historic for Portugal, marking their first competitive victory over Spain, a significant achievement given the rivalry between the two Iberian nations.
Facing off against a roster featuring promising NBA talents such as Hugo Gonzalez, Aday Mara, and Baba Miller, Prey's ability to attack the basket and shoot from long range was evident. He successfully converted two of three attempts from beyond the arc, showcasing his versatility as a scorer.
In his subsequent game on August 31 against Georgia, Prey again contributed significantly, scoring 15 points, which made him Portugal's second-highest scorer in the match. However, the team fell short, losing 98-90, despite a strong performance from Neemias Queta, who led the team with 20 points.
Portugal currently finds itself in a competitive spot in the qualifiers, sitting just one point outside the automatic qualification spots for the 2027 FIBA World Cup. With four qualifying games remaining, the team is still in contention to secure a place in Qatar. However, Prey will be unavailable for these upcoming matches as they coincide with the college basketball season, which poses a challenge for the national team.
Last season at St. John's, Prey averaged 4.3 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks per game, playing around 10.8 minutes per contest. He showcased his shooting prowess with a 50.5% field goal percentage and an impressive 62.5% from three-point range, hitting 15 of 24 attempts. His performance improved during the NCAA Tournament, where he averaged 8.3 points and 3.3 rebounds per game, further highlighting his potential as a key player for the Red Storm this upcoming season.
As Prey transitions into a starting role for St. John's and continues to represent Portugal on the international stage, his recent performances in the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers have set a promising tone for his future in basketball.
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